Police React to Burning of Akure Church over Missing Child, Blame TV Station for Misleading Public

Ololade Adeyanju/

The Ondo State Police Command has denied reports that the corpse of a one-year-old missing boy, Gold Kolawole, was exhumed from the alter of a church in Akure, the state capital.

A mob had set fire to the Sotitobire Praising Chapel located in Oshinle Quarters area of the town this morning over the rumours.

A policeman and another unidentified man were also reportedly killed during the incident.

The founder of the church, Prophet Alfa Babatunde, is currently in the custody of the State Security Service (SSS).

But the police in a statement urged the public to disregard the rumours, while blaming an unnamed TV station for carrying the misleading news that triggered the mob’s reaction.

Read statement below:

The Ondo State Police Command wishes to inform the general public particularly the People of Ondo State that they should disregard the rumours making the rounds that the body of a recently declared missing boy in the state has been exhumed from Sotitobire church in Akure.

It is most unfortunate that this misleading information spearheaded by a popular TV station, has ignited a spontaneous reactions from the people leading to wanton destruction of properties and injuries to many.

The church building was also set ablaze by irate youths. Some of our officers despatched to the scene to contain the situation were pelted with stones with many of them sustaining injuries. Their patrol vehicle was also badly damaged.

This rejoinder became necessary to disabuse the minds of many Nigerians who might have fallen for this wicked lies and propaganda. The public should also not be hoodwinked by reports that the command has abandoned the investigation of the incident, as the case file is already on the way to the DPP for legal advice.

Notwithstanding this latest incident, more reinforcement has been sent to the scene to contain the situation.

Femi Joseph, PPRO, Ondo State.

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